Australian footwear brand Billini has unveiled a new collaboration collection with influencer Rozalia Russian.
The 90s inspired range features six key styles designed by Russian, who labels the styles as her 'go to shoes.'
The collection is set to launch at 8pm tonight and it's already generating buzz online, with six hype videos posted across Russian and Billini's accounts generating more than 150,000 views combined.
"It is no secret that I am a shoe fanatic and when the opportunity came to me to team up with an iconic Australian brand such as Billini, I jumped at the chance," Russian said of the collaboration.
"When I think of summer party shoes, Billini has built a reputation of being an Aussie favourite go to brand - so I feel very privileged to be working alongside them for this collection launch," she said.
When it comes to design inspiration for the range, Russian added that she wanted to spice up timeless, staple styles with bold colours.
"For me, my wardrobe is all about great quality staple items and when it comes to my shoes it is no different.
"I designed six styles that I think every woman needs in their summer wardrobe.
"From a chic flatform to run around during the day, to a high sky stiletto - I drew inspirations from timeless classic shapes that we have seen over the years and still haven’t gone out of style.
"I then put a modern twist on them and created them in bold colourways that I think will be a huge hit this summer," she said.
However, the challenges of the pandemic meant that the process of bringing the collection and campaign to life was slower.
Designing, sampling and shooting the collection all from Zoom slowed the process down, Russian said.
"It is the second year I have had to design and release a collection during lockdown, so we have adapted and learnt to go with the flow.
"But there is nothing like face-to-face meetings where you can all see the range, go through samples, sketch down changes etc.
"Another factor is that the Billini team is based in Sydney and my team and I are all based in Melbourne - so we only ever met in person once which was at the start of this year.
"So when it came to photoshoots we again had to rely on Zooms as we couldn’t fly to each other, meaning that each team really had to just trust the other to bring the vision to life," she said.
But despite the challenges, the collection came to life and is ready to launch this evening.
"With so many delays and lockdown restrictions I just hope everyone loves the shoes and takes the opportunity to head out to their favourite bar or restaurant with their Rozalia X Billini heels on and just enjoy the summer," Russian said.
"We have all been through so much lately so I just hope the shoes bring some excitement back to every woman's wardrobe," she said.
The Billini x Rozalia Russian collection will be available on the Billini website and on The Iconic from 8pm tonight (November 17).
The collection will be priced between $99.95 and $129.95.
